clarabellanyc.com

I may have commented on this before, but really… is there anything more exciting than a shipment of 7 boxes filled with new shoes and a box full of soft leather belts and wristbands? I think not. (not today anyway!) This is what greeted me yesterday morning which means if you happen by the shop this weekend, you’ll see a very large smile on my face.

For those who have been by the shop and commented on the Mariana shoes (from Brazil), you’ll be happy to hear that I have a new shipment! I’ll work on uploading photos today, but in the meantime, think summer heeled sandals in red, black and teal, so light and airy that you can barely tell you’re even wearing heels at all. Silver espadrille wedges with a peep toe. Purple mini-heels with a vintage appeal. Black soft leather flats with a well placed t-strap. Oh so lovely!

My shiptment from Brave leather also came in! Belts are here for men and women, so guys, don’t be shy! I’ve also got a new crop of leather wristbands. If you haven’t tried one before, I suggest giving one a shot. I wouldn’t have pegged myself for the ‘leather wristband type’, but low and behold, they even look great on my skinny little pale wrists;).

This will be a good weekend to swing by the shop… now if only we can get it to stop raining!

NOW LISTENING: Gary Jules

My first piece of press!!! My press release went out yesterday morning and the lovely Jennifer Levy Neiderhoffer (my friend, former colleague, bag stamper, founder of Impress Media, and all around great gal) sent me this link today:

A Woman Adorned

YAY!

Hopefully there is more to come - we had a few photo requests yesterday, so my fingers are crossed… maybe you should cross yours too;).

This is something I’ve known for a long time. You may be shocked to hear this, but I’m a bit of a shopper myself;). I think it runs in my family. If you set me and my mom loose on this city, we can go for hours! At any rate, this past Saturday was no exception in the shopper-happy department. It was Clarabella’s first Saturday and the city greeted her with beautiful weather which brought lots of foot traffic. Well, so I hear… I actually had business that took me away from the shop on Saturday, so the charming and sell-happy Edward Scott took over for the day. We had a very quick ‘training session’ on Thursday evening and then met at 10:45am for a quick recep before I raced up to Grand Central. By the time my train hit 125th street I’d already gotten a text saying that Ed had pushed his first sale. That was just the beginning. This guy has got a knack for this. Who would have guessed… A guy typically dedicated to event production found his ‘calling’ in a downtown accessories shop. So, that might be taking it a little far, but seriously, he had a phenomenal day of sales and I couldn’t be more grateful for the help. Thanks Ed!! And thanks to all of you out there that took such a strong interest in the contents of my little shop. I hope your love and appreciation only grows as my inventory expands and the summer kicks in.

Have a great night all -

Good evening all -
I’m so sorry I’ve been so absent on the blog. It’s been a whirlwind of a few days and I have so much to tell you all:) - very good things of course. Tomorrow is my ‘day off’, which means, of course, that I’ll be here in the shop fixing a few things up, updating the blog, placing reorders (yes reorders!!) and spray painting my outdoor awning (that one should be interesting). That said, more from me tomorrow… I’ll give you all the gossip and tales of my first 4 days of opening!!

NOW LISTENING: Mocean Worker “Cinco de Mowo”

New Yorkers and Bay-Areans rejoice! Check out Mondo Map - it’s fantastic. The maps for New York currently include Chinatown, Little Italy, Alphabet City, Nolita, Currytown, Murray Hill and of course… Clinton Street! I talked with Bob from Mondo Map about 2 weeks ago about mapping my stretch of Houston Street for the Clinton Street map and he came by to check everything out last week. Our block is now on the map along with all of the other great spots in the hood. They also print up postcards that are placed in different establishments in each neighborhood that show the full map and feature one spot - I’ll be featured for this next round. Good stuff I tell you, Good stuff!!

Hi all -
Just a quick one to let you know that in addition to my last designer list, I’ve just received my first shipment of Carla Beeby bags! I’m pleased to be her first shop in the US and I think you’ll be glad that I brought her designs over. The bags are at once trendy and classic and are constructed of the most supple leather. Come on by to check out the goods;)

Take Care,
Erin

In honor of opening day, I’ll have wine, prosecco, and some snacks starting at 5pm. Come on by and join me in a toast;).

See you soon!

So, it’s finally here… WOW! It’s like sitting in a whole new room with the newspaper off the windows, everything cleaned, everything displayed and I’m actually wearing heels;). This is a quick one, but I’ve had a few requests for photos so here you go!

Once everything settles a little bit, I’ll post some ‘opening day remarks’;). Ha. Thanks to you all for the support and love that you’ve given me - can’t wait to see you in the shop!

In addition, I have CDs by Gary Jules and Mocean Worker and a limited number of copies of Happy Birthday or Whatever by Annie Choi. I’ve also partnered with Charity: water. I’ll be selling their bottled water here in the shop. All proceeds go directly to the charity. Learn more about the organization here.

My very first art exhibit is a series of prints by Seldon Yuan. Learn more about Seldon on his website: here and stay tuned for a press release with images early next week.

NOW LISTENING: (it’s so late, I’ve lost track… maybe PJ Harvey? Maybe not… ha.)

Hi everyone -
I owe you more info, but for now I just wanted to tell you that I’ll be opening my doors on Thursday, April 19. I know you were expecting Wednesday, but it’s supposed to rain and I could use an extra day;). I’ll send a note out to my mailing list shortly and will supply you all with more information soon!!

xo
Erin